Tim Potter

It was with shock and distress last week that the Camera Branch learned of the unexpected death of our Chair, Tim Potter. It happened just days after he attended the Bectu Conference in York where he appeared to be his usual, cheerful self.

Tim Potter joined Bectu in 1985, as he went freelance as a Clapper/Loader. One of his anecdotes was about how he plied a grip with drink in order to find out how much he should charge for his work when starting out. As he built his industry knowledge, he also shared his insights with his colleagues.

An extremely intelligent man, Tim became a valuable source of information and history for the Camera Branch as he was able to place in context the dilemmas facing members around rates, agreements and the many other issues we have to navigate. Over the years he held the roles of both Secretary and Chair of the Camera Branch and had been serving in the latter role for many years. Compiling the branch rate card was just one of his valuable contributions.

Tim gave up many hours of his time, not only for branch meetings, but as a member of the London Production Committee and the Film Policy committee. In meetings, there was frequently a time when all eyes would turn to Tim Potter as his wisdom and experience meant he could offer authoritative advice on what course of action to take and what pitfalls to avoid. In addition, Tim sat in negotiations with PACT for both Film and TV drama agreement negotiations, often able to spot loopholes and errors missed by everyone else.

If this was not enough, Tim also joined the Guild of British Cinema Technicians in 1991, eventually also chairing that organisation since 2009. Through his positions in both Bectu and the GBCT, Tim championed the education and training of camera technicians.

Difficult though it is to organise a predominately freelance industry, it is hard to overstate the contribution made by Tim, first in simply showing up, then in his commitment to informing his fellow members and putting in the hours to try to improve their situation; all this with modesty and a friendly smile.

Tim Potter was a pillar of the Film and Television industry in this country and at just 66, has left us far too soon. We can only hope that some of his colleagues will come forward to take on his work as it is unlikely that a single person could.

Tim Potter, Camera Branch & GBCT Chair, Focus-Puller: 27th of June 1958 to 21st May 2025.